Archive for December, 2012

Discipline is the glue that keeps all other characteristics moving in the direction of the success we seek. We learn that Positive self-discipline is the first step to success. Thomas Edison said: “If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” We know the things to do for our own success. We know we should be more consistent with our daily efforts that can bring success. And we know we can teach others to find success. The only question is “will we.”

Take a peek at my book Breakthroughs for Success and see how real people like you and me have done it.

I just spoke to one of my great friends in life. By all definitions he is a success. In life, relationships, personal, business, whatever definition you put on it. We talked about what we would do during the New Year celebration time. Here’s what he said in a summary form: He will take time to give Gratitude and be thankful. Review his year and give thanks. He will make his bucket list of things to do in 2013 that will help others. He will clear his head and take in what this life, country, world has to offer all of us. He will plan 2013.

This is what ALL successful people do. And it’s easy! Just do it and watch the rewards you can reap. Some of us think it’s too difficult and involved. Some of us are frankly too lazy. Some of us have a touch of FEAR that prevents the effort from being made. I’m here to tell you that you can do it and that you can make your life exactly what you want it to be. Have a great 2013.

“This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…let it be something good.”

See how this suggestion works for you in 2013. You’ll have to do it for one year. This won’t be a drive-by fix. Try this: Instead of resolutions focused on YOU, why not a bucket list (resolutions) of things you can do in 2013 to help others. Here’s the deal. Pick 5 things you can do to help other people. It’s ok if they are related to your work, play, whatever. But the focus is someone else. Then watch how many amazingly great things happen for you during the year. Try it. Guaranteed more success than you planned for.

Believe You Can

A young man fell asleep during math class. He woke up as the bell rang, looked at the blackboard, and copied down the two problems that were there. He assumed they were the homework for the night. He went home and labored the rest of the afternoon and into the evening knowing if he didn’t complete the work he would surely fail the class.

He couldn’t figure out either one but he kept trying for the rest of the week. Finally, he got the answer to one and brought it to class. The teacher was absolutely stunned. The boy feared he had done too little, too late. It turned out the problem he solved was supposedly unsolvable.

How did he do it? He was able to do what was thought to be impossible because he believed it was possible. He not only believed it was possible, he believed that if he didn’t solve it he would fail the class. Had he known the problem was unsolvable he could never have done it. Wouldn’t have started to try to solve it.

Beliefs are the commanders of our brain. When we believe something is true, we literally go into the state of its being true. Handled effectively, beliefs can be the most powerful forces for creating good in our lives.

The Birth of Excellence

Beliefs control our destiny: The belief we have in ourselves…the belief we have in our clients…the belief others have in us. The birth of excellence begins with the awareness that our beliefs are a choice.

Beliefs are the compass and map that guide us to our goals. Believe you can do something, or believe you can’t…and you’ll be right every time.

(The source for this article is unknown. I’ve had things like this in my “manual” for 40+ years. Still rings true doesn’t it.)

Prepare for Success. In 2012 a sole proprietor client increased their revenue by $100k; a small business grew by over $50k. Doing these activities.

1. The first great advantage is that your subconscious mind begins to work under a universal law: “What the mind can conceive and believe—the mind can achieve.” Because you visualize your intended destination, your subconscious mind is affected by this self-suggestion. It goes to work to help you get there.

2. Because you know what you want, there is a tendency for you to try to get on the right track and head in the right direction. You get into action.

3. Work now becomes fun. You are motivated to pay the price. You budget your time and money. You study, think, and plan. The more you think about your goals, the more enthusiastic you become. And with enthusiasm your desire turns into a burning desire.

4. You become alerted to opportunities that will help you achieve your objectives as they present themselves in your everyday experiences. Because you know what you want, you are more likely to recognize these opportunities.

These are borrowed from Napoleon Hill. I’m spending today building my 90-day and 360-day plan for 2013. Give it a try. It works…it’s easy to do. Take a look at my book, Breakthroughs for Success and see how this has paid off for clients.

Here are 2 “commandments” from a 10 commandment list for salesmen. It was given to me by a friend and I felt you would appreciate the advice. First, ‘Be Sincere’–considered #1 by this list maker. Second, ‘Be Optimistic’–hope for the best, if the worst happens take it with a smile.

Pretty good advice for today. Oh yes, it was from a memo sent to salesmen in a company in January 1957.

We cannot change the inevitable. The one thing we control and that we can change is our Attitude. Events are going to happen to us that either rock our world or we accept and move on. Stuff is going to happen. How we process it, react to it is the difference maker. In other words, our Attitude. I grow solidly convinced every day from observation of myself and others that those who have developed a solid set of goals will process negative changes and stay on track. Why? Because they are looking to the future, dealing with today, putting everything in the proper order and going on. Not a lot more complicated than that.

So, I wish for you in the New Year a way to set and control your Attitude. Take a look at Breakthroughs for Success. I wrote it to provide solutions to our everyday challenges. Merry Christmas.

A day to rest, reflect, sustain, meditate, be thankful and be grateful for all of my blessings. Be thankful for my family, my friends, clients and the ability/opportunity to work. Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New year. It was a great 2012, and 2013 will be even better.